Lifelong learning high on government's agenda

Industry’s needs should be better catered for by the university, Education Minister Dolores Cristina said this morning.

Speaking during a meeting for directors of European lifelong learning agencies, the minister also called for the existing synergy between the Malta College of Art, Science and Technology and the local industry to be consolidated.

Ms Cristina said one of the main challenges being faced by society was the ever-changing technological scenario that called for new training and work practices.

The acquisition of knowledge, the minister said, should not be looked at as the accumulation of memorised detail, but rather as a vehicle for gaining more knowledge in the future.

The minister said that the mindset for lifelong learning should be formed in the family, within the community and at school. This, she said, was high on the government’s education agenda.

She pointed out that more than 37,000 Maltese were believed to be participating in lifelong learning initiatives. Although this was encouraging, more had to be done to attract more people.